Perishable food labeler

Abstract

The present invention is a perishable food labeler is provided for imprinting a food item with a date stamp. In one embodiment of the present invention, a perishable food labeler is provided that correlates a food item designation to a spoilage date through the use of a database. The spoilage date is printed on a label, which, in turn, is fixedly applied to the food item corresponding to the designation. Thus, the expiration date of the food item is clearly visible, reducing the potential instances of ingestion of spoiled food.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A perishable food labeler, comprising: 
 at least one input device for receiving a food item designation from an operator;    a database that correlates the food item designation to a spoilage date; and    at least one output device that serves to imprint a food item with at least the spoilage date.    
     
     
         2 . The labeler of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one input device is a keypad.  
     
     
         3 . The labeler of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one input device is a barcode scanner.  
     
     
         4 . The labeler of  claim 1 , further including an alphanumeric display.  
     
     
         5 . The labeler of  claim 1 , wherein the output device further includes adhesive labels such that said adhesive labels may be fixedly secured to the food item.  
     
     
         6 . The labeler of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one input device, the database and the at least one output device are combined into a hand held device.  
     
     
         7 . The labeler of  claim 6 , further including a docking station adapted to transmit data from the handheld device to a computer.  
     
     
         8 . The labeler of  claim 1 , wherein the food spoilage date is a calendar date.  
     
     
         9 . A method of preventing food spoilage: 
 inputting a food item designation;    correlating the designation to at least a spoilage date;    printing the spoilage date on an adhesive label; and    applying the label a food item.    
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further including the step of: 
 discarding the food item at least by the spoilage date.    
     
     
         11 . A perishable food labeler, comprising: 
 a time display;    at least one input device; and    at least one output device that serves to print a label with at least a date stamp for placement on a food item in response to input from the input device.    
     
     
         12 . The labeler of  claim 11 , wherein the least one input device receives a food item designation from an operator.  
     
     
         13 . The labeler of  claim 12 , further including a database that correlates the food item designation to a spoilage date.  
     
     
         14 . The labeler of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one output device serves to print the label with at least the spoilage date.